Confirming a long-standing rumor in the sports world in general, ­Sergei Fedorov of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and tennis star Anna Kournikova were indeed married, Fedorov told The Hockey News.

When asked about the rumors that he and Kournikova were once wed, Fedorov said, "They are true. We were married, albeit brief, and we are now divorced."

Fedorov, 33, told The Hockey News he no longer keeps in touch with the 21-year-old Kournikova, and that he wouldn't be dating anyone for a while.

The publication did not contact Kournikova to confirm Fedorov's claims.

Fedorov didn't play Monday night in the Red Wings' 3-2 victory at Columbus. Fedorov warmed up for several minutes, but went to the dressing
room because of a sore back sustained Sunday night when he was
rammed into a goalpost.

The nature of the Russian's relationship with the Russian tennis star, how his teammates felt about it and Kournikova's rumored relationship with NHL star Pavel Bure of the New York Rangers are among the topics Fedorov addressed in a wide-ranging interview in the March 14 issue of The Hockey News. The issue goes on sale today.

Fedorov was also candid about the break-up with his former agents, his future in Detroit and xenophobia in the NHL.

The potential unrestricted free agent said he fully expects to return to the Red Wings next season.

"It's not even an issue for me at this point," Fedorov said. "I'm confident that with my new representation from IMG that a deal to keep me in Detroit will be able to get worked out."